With a clear eye on attracting the next generation of dual sport and adventure riders, Yamaha has announced it is reintroducing the WR125R as a 125cc dual-sport to the European market and beyond. The all-new WR125R brings modern tech and new rider-focused features to Yamaha’s dual-sport lineup, including a 125cc liquid-cooled SOHC four-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and a 6-speed transmission (previously a 5-speed), a multi-function LCD with smartphone connectivity, LED lighting with a dual-lens headlight, an approachable seat height, and streamlined enduro styling.

The engine is rated at 15 horsepower (11 kW) at 10,000 rpm with 8.1 ft-lbs (11 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and Yamaha emphasizes the engine offers tractable low- and mid-range delivery aimed at newer riders. The WR125R uses a semi-double cradle frame, a 41 mm KYB front fork, and a linked Monocross rear shock. Suspension travel is 8.5” (215mm) in the front and 7.4” (187mm) out back. Wheel sizes follow typical dirt specs with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear. The flat, flexible seat and wide footpegs are designed to aid rider movement on varied terrain, and Yamaha lists a seat height of 34.4 in (875 mm).

Standard creature comforts and practical items include front-only ABS with 267mm front and 220mm rear discs, Dunlop D605 ’50/50′ dual sport tires, an easy-to-replace air filter, and fuel efficiency claimed at over 40 km/L (94 mpg) with a 2.1-gallon (8-liter) tank for a possible range of around 198 miles (320 km).

The WR125R’s wet weight is listed at 304 pounds (138 kg), which is on the heavy side for a 125cc dual-sport. That could make it less maneuverable off-road than lighter machines in its class. However, it looks to be a rider-friendly machine that should be affordable, practical and economical to operate — a nice entry-level option designed to attract newcomers to the world of dual sport and adventure riding. 

Yamaha previously offered a WR125R in Europe, from roughly 2009 to 2014, that never made it to the U.S. With this bike targeting licensing restrictions in Europe for smaller-displacement machines, initially it seemed likely this new WR125R would never make it across the pond. And while American riders’ interest remains high in a performance-oriented WR250R or WR450R coming stateside, this simple, economical, entry-level machine would be a welcome addition to Yamaha’s lineup in the U.S. — an affordable ‘gateway drug’ for new adventure riders.

Recognizing this potential, Yamaha USA has decided to bring the bike to the U.S. for 2026. Once here, we expect the new WR125R to be a solid option in the small-displacement dual sport category, competing with existing models like the Honda XR150L and Kawasaki KLX230 on price, practicality, and ease of use. 

Availability

The WR125R will be available in two colors: Team Yamaha Blue or Black. Pricing in the U.S. starts at $3,999 USD and the new model will begin arriving at dealers in November 2025. More details on the 2026 Yamaha WR125R can be found on the Yamaha Website here.

2026 Yamaha WR125R Specs